Leadership in the Public Sector

Complete your bachelor’s degree or earn a professional certificate through our 100% online program that provides the ethical, theoretical and analytical skills required for effective public sector leadership.

Why LPS?

Next Steps:

The Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) program will give you the knowledge and skills you need for success in government, education, nonprofit organizations and the public sector, as well as credentials that will prepare you for graduate school.

Respected

Convenient

All classes are available online, allowing you to complete your college degree from anywhere in the world. The online format is easy to follow. NC State provides readily available technical support for any problems that may arise.

Flexible

We offer multiple options for continuing your education through the LPS certificate or bachelor’s degree completion program. Complete either option at your own pace.

Personalized

Students receive personalized guidance and advising. As a prospective student, you can contact the LPS advisor to receive an unofficial transcript evaluation and/or view a video about credit transfer. Once admitted, you will receive an individual orientation with the LPS program advisor.

Military Friendly

Veterans and active duty personnel, leverage your benefits and add academic credentials and education to your military experience. Our program’s structure allows you to advance your military career or prepare for transition to the civilian sector, no matter where you are stationed or deployed. You or your family members can earn a B.A. degree that is identical to any other NC State University degree or you may complete the certificate program. The NC State community prides itself on its longstanding military history and its continuing support of the military. Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families will find themselves in a supportive environment at NC State.

Complete Your Journey

The Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) online degree completion program focuses on leadership in non-market environments. This program is ideal for community college transfers, military personnel and their families as well as other adult learners. All courses necessary for completing the degree are available online. The LPS format allows you the flexibility to complete your bachelor’s degree without adhering to a rigid in-class schedule. Although courses are completed during traditional semesters, you can complete the program at your own pace.

Earning your bachelor’s degree from a respected university allows you the opportunity to change or advance your career or continue on to a graduate degree. LPS graduates find career opportunities in public and nonprofit organizations, as well as with private firms. Many seek advanced degrees in political science, public administration, nonprofit sector management and law.

"The best thing about the LPS program is the online delivery. It has allowed me to have a career and family while not taking away from either of them. I knew that NC State offers world-class degrees and knew that quality would extend to my experience obtaining an online degree. Between the wonderful instructors and ability to learn at my own speed, I found that distance education from NC State was actually better for me than a traditional classroom."

- Jason Waters, B.A. in LPS '11

Enhance Your Credentials With a Certificate

Do you want to add to your existing academic experience? Are you unsure about whether to pursue a full degree? Are you ready to change courses in your career, but you need some help to make a transition into public service? Expand your leadership knowledge and enhance your career prospects by completing the Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) undergraduate certificate.Three required courses and two elective courses allow you to survey leadership theories, research and evaluate applied practices, and learn the skills, methods and techniques for effective leadership in public and nonprofit organizations. This certificate program is entirely online and available only for non-traditional or non-degree seeking students. In order to enroll in the certificate program, please contact an LPS advisor. You cannot be currently enrolled at NC State and you must maintain at least a B- average to remain in the program.

The Student Experience

The Leadership in the Public Sector program is convenient. Incoming students can transfer up to 72 hours of college course work and complete their college degree while working full-time.

Course work is easily accessible. All courses are offered online and technical support is easily accessible if needed. The program includes a variety of courses that will help you realize your individual leadership style and potential. Classes are taught by committed faculty dedicated to the NC State tradition of superior quality in higher education.

We know that as a distance education student, you want to feel connected to and supported by the NC State and LPS community. We have several means of fostering that community. You’ll get to know other LPS students through your course work. You’ll share feedback and support through various LPS program and social media forums. And while you may not meet some of your fellow students face to face until graduation, you will feel you’re old friends long before that day arrives.

Advising

As an LPS student, you’ll receive individual guidance and support from the LPS adviser throughout your time in the program to ensure the most efficient path towards degree completion. Newly admitted students have a personal orientation session with the LPS program adviser either via Skype or face to face on campus.

Prospective students can contact the LPS adviser to receive an unofficial transcript evaluation and guidance regarding your candidacy for admission.